A Hamptons Bash Benefiting the Empire State Pride Agenda

There was no sign of tea sandwiches or even tea for that matter (well, maybe a nice, strong Long Island Ice Tea) at the 17th annual Hamptons Tea Dance benefiting the Empire State Pride Agenda, which works tirelessly to enhance the social welfare and equality of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered New Yorkers. Touted as "the gay event of the summer Hamptons season," 1,400 well-dressed and mostly well-mannered members of the gay and straight communities converged on the beautiful 10A Ranch in East Hampton, home of Will Trinkle and Juan Granados.

The sprawling former stables once housed Lee and Jackie Bouvier's horses but were converted to cottages in the 60s and 70s to house Georgica homeowners wanting to rent their estates for extra income. Several years ago, Trinkle and Granados bought the property and renovated it, turning it into a real showplace.

With the sun finally out and no sign of rain, the partyers, including New York governor David Paterson, New York senator Kirsten Gillibrand, playwright Edward Albee, writer-producer __Darren Starr,and actresses__Heather Matarazzo and Michelle Clunie, took to the dance floor to the sounds of D.J. Lady Bunny, who generously donates her time every year for this event. Oh, and what a treat: Mister Softy trucks! All those carbs, but darn, they taste so good… Herewith, a taste of the party.